Alan Danson – Four Movements in a Jazz Idiom (Violin & Piano)

Written as a commission from Duo Dunamis for classical recitals. Each movement draws upon different idioms of jazz styles and requires a wide range of sounds and effects from the violin. The opening Dance contains cross rhythms of 2's and 3's with the middle section making much of the interval of the perfect 5th. Quasi Rag borrows from 1930's ragtime, while The Ballad of an Original Theme opens with an expressive improvisory violin solo. Blues Plus One, named after the 13 bar pattern (the standard blues is 12 bars) makes much use of stride piano and there is much interplay between violin and piano.

Review: "Danson has succeeded in providing us with an entertaining and effective alternative to standard violin and piano literature. Along the same lines as works by Bolling and Grapelli, the movements are concise, well constructed and rewarding for both players and listeners." – American Music Teacher, October/November 1995

Review: "A swinging, jazzy sonata. For colleges and professionals." – News Notes

Biography

Danson, Alan

Alan Danson's studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London were in Horn, Piano and Orchestration. After leaving college in 1974, he worked as a freelance horn player in West End shows, with Ballet companies, Symphony Orchestras and studios, whilst retaining his interest in composition. He has directed the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in commercial work, worked as an arranger for BBC TV and composed for TV commercials. He is also involved in musical education. His development as a composer was as a result of his work experience in studying scores, observing compositional techniques whilst playing and directing groups, and composing for various musical combinations. See www.sounddimensionsmusic.com